#ttte duchess

[blueart2001]

new year, new drawing :3 (it disappears for another few months (?)

[gordspost]

1969

How Gresley family get-togethers usually end: let's torture Ryan!

Ryan: Your children are possessed by the devil, I'm more and more sure of it.

since 1967 Scott, Gordon, Spencer and their families have found themselves in Doncaster, in a mansion bought by the large family to spend their summer holidays. Ryan is also a Gresley and so he joined them about a year ago (even if sometimes, like now, he would like to go home) the Gresley family has a lot of fun together, and the kids have a lot of fun too!.. especially torturing poor young Ryan

[uselessalexis165]

tried making some ttte memes (256)

[christopheroshea]

Don't expect me to be too frequent on the editing scene, but this is something that I kinda wish was as frequent as Gordon Goes Foreign reconstructions. What 'Thomas and the Royal Engine' could've had.

[imitation-steamroller]

More Headcanons!

I live!

- After everything he has been through (Jumping over canyons and bridges, nearly falling into molten slag, getting lost at sea, etc.), Thomas does not fear death. At this point, he half believes that Lady herself couldn’t drag him to the afterlife. And sometimes when he’s bragging about it too much, she’s half tempted to show him she could...

- Frankie 100% bullshitted her way out of trouble at the end of JBS. If she hadn’t seen an opportunity to get Thomas off her back and some actual willing help from the experimental engines, she would have quietly and reluctantly faced the consequences for her and Hurricane’s actions.

- Duchess is usually LMS maroon, but she was pulling a bit of a ‘Henry Sees Red’ during The Royal Engine. Between you and me, she has been considering asking for a new color. Maybe indigo?

- Remember Alice, the little girl from Thomas and the Birthday Mail? She grew up to be Rosie’s driver! I like to think she played a hand in Rosie deciding to switch to red.

- If you ever use Thomas’ firebox to cook food, you had better give him some. If you have the gall to use him as an oven and not share your bacon, he’ll make sure your food is burned for at least a month.

- Emily has a special interest in flowers and at any given time, she’ll drop the most disconcerting facts out of nowhere. James wishes he could go back to not knowing about corpse flowers.

- Emily knows party tricks! She can puff smoke rings and blow steam out of her mouth. Percy has been hounding her for lessons on how to do the former.

- Don’t ever say something is impossible or too hard for Emily to learn or she’ll brute force her way into learning it to prove you wrong. Honestly, she’s learned a lot from that method.

- Back when Rosie was pink, some rather rude enthusiasts had something to say about her choice in livery. To the surprise of many, it was the shy and quiet Molly who came to Rosie’s defense. In fact, she gave them such a thorough tongue lashing that they never came back!

- For all his bluster, Ace is an average racer at best. In fact, he was only in that worldwide rally because another racer couldn’t make it.

- By the end of Thomas’ time in India, Noor Jehan wasn’t too fond of the tank engine. In her defense, you can only screw up so many times before it stops seeming endearing and starts looking incompetent.

- While Rebecca is generally a nice and happy-go-lucky engine, she plays it up a bit to mask her own insecurities. Lately, Gordon and Nia have been trying to show her that she doesn’t need to.

- Having been built in Sweden, Ashima and the Culdee Fell engines but this isn’t about them knows some Swedish. But it’s been so long since she or her siblings spoke it that she doubts she can hold a conversation.

- Rosie didn’t receive the best welcome when she first arrived Sodor. By then, the big engines were thoroughly done with the Big Station’s revolving door of pilots, and planned on not getting attached to the latest one.

- James has a habit of stealing borrowing Daisy’s eyeliner, especially during special occasions. He does like to look his best after all.

[pxmun]

It was a very sad day. The news of the queens passing had spread all around Sodor. Some were sad, others were indifferent. Although the Trainyard Trio weren’t from Sodor or the U.K. they still reached out to help their friends during this sad time. The Flying Scotsman had arrived in Vicarstown, he had brought some important passengers from the Mainland for a celebration of life ceremony, as Sir Topham Hatt called it, for her majesty. Darius and the mayor of Sodor were talking on the platform as Scotsman waited for the coaches to be cleaned for their next run. Gordon and Romeo were there, and the teen had brought his mother’s violin. He was playing “God save the queen”. A crowd had formed around him, and some began singing along while others embraced one another in tears. That was when Scotsman spotted Duchess. She was on the platform next to him in tears, her driver and fireman trying to comfort her. Seeing her in distress Scotsman tried to talk to her. Duchess was very upset over the queens passing, while the rest of the world saw her as royalty, to Duchess the queen was her best friend and confidant. The royal engine was trying to hold back her tears and anguish. Ever since the news came out, people had been wanting to get pictures, video, and interviews from Duchess, leaving the poor engine no time to grieve as she had to present herself as being strong and brave engine despite all that has happened. Scotsman tells Duchess that although she is a royal engine, she is still an engine and should be able to grieve over losing someone so precious to her. Scotsman then has Duchess follow him to Sodor. He takes her to Henry’sForest. The place is quiet and peaceful. Scotsman tells Duchess that here she can have a moment to let out her sorrow. The royal engine does, finally letting the tears she’s been wanting to shed go and the anguish out.  After a while Duchess composes herself. She is very thankful to Scotsman for bringing her here to grieve. Although still saddened, Duchess feels like she can go on with her royal duties. Before she leaves Scotsman lets Duchess know that everyone on Sodor is there for her and that she is welcomed to visit any time. Duchess thanks him and all of Sodor. Her driver hands Sir Topham Hatt a final letter from her majesty addressed to him and with that and a barrage of supporting whistles from the other engines, Duchess heads off. 

[werbitssft]

я уже пока не буду рисовать в ибис пейнте, а буду рисовать в своих прошлогодних блокнотах

а пока, скетч с Герцогинией 🙂

[kitanisennro]

2023年

あけおめおめでとうございます㊗️

今年は兎年!🐇 うさぎになった機関車達がみなさんを祝福します🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰

🐰🎍✿Happy new year〰️🪄🤍

The engines that have become rabbits bless you

[askyoungiron]

I like how some engines like Sir Nigel Gresley, call Duchess of Hamilton, ‘Ham’

HAMILTON: Only close friends get to call me 'Ham'. If you're not personal with me you can shove off.

TORNADO: Ham! 😇

HAMILTON: I will make an exception for Tornado because she is as cute as a button.

SCOTSMAN: You don't let me call you Ham. 😞

HAMILTON: Because you're an annoyance. And you upset Mallard.

SCOTSMAN: Oh.

BITTERN: Since when do you care about Mallard?

HAMILTON: We spend everyday in each others company, it's hard not to care about him after a while.

BITTERN: He's a complete asshole!

HAMILTON: Not if you look closely. There's parts of him that are good, just hidden.

[tornadoyoungiron]

((For the sake of this, let's pretend everyone in the collection can steam))

[blueart2001]

Scots me quedo hermoso <3

[gordspost]

Elizabeth (daughter of Henry and Gordon) and Anne (daughter of Spencer and Duchess). the two are cousins ​​and they love each other very much! their families spend a lot of time together at the Gresley estate in Doncaster. Anne loves dogs while Elizabeth loves cats, but they agree on one thing: style!

Elizabeth has wanted to dress herself since she was only three years old, and so does Anne. (but they need their parents' help sometimes because the girls would choose horrible combinations to go out). so the children of the Gresley household always wait for the holidays to get together!

[thequeenofsodor]

Latest wiki-binging find: This image from the Drayton Manor prop exhibit that feels like it’d be the front cover of a Sudrian tabloid spilling the juicy details of Allicia Botti and the Duchess of Boxford’s secret lesbian love affair.

[ye-olde-sodor]

Know your Place… (ttte Dc au fanfic)

Thomas hadn't been this excited since he'd been shipped to Sodor!

He'd had been asked to visit the National Railway Museum in York and to be part of a display for Sodor. While the trip was filled with mishaps and accidents, he finally arrived in one piece! And now he was supposed to double head a train with none other then Green Arrow! The Green Arrow!

The two of them met when Thomas was getting repairs to his buffer, and had become quick friends, so to be able to pull a train with them just made the train even more special to him.

Thomas had just rolled out of the shed where he was staying at when something caught his eye.

A large, crimson engine was sitting in the sun beside him. The engine had thin, gold trimmings around the boiler and cylinder. He could see a pair of smoke deflectors attached to the side of the smokebox. As he approached the engine, he noticed a golden nameplate pinned on the boiler.

His eyes widened as he read the plate, and gently rushed to see the engine's face. Her eyes were the same gold as her nameplate and the gentle trimming around her. As he inched closer, he decided to speak to the regal locomotive.

"Duchess of Hamilton, I presume?"

"Oh! Well hello there!" she spoke softly. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you there!"

"Oh, that's quite alright." Thomas chuckled. "I didn't see you here either! It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am."

"The same to you, my friend! I'm guessing you must be Thomas of Sodor then?"

Thomas was taken aback by that. "You know me?"

"Who doesn't know you!" she teased. "Your face is plastered over everything nowadays. Although...you do look a bit, well-"

"Old? Nothing like the books?" Thomas said with a smile, the wrinkles on his face turning upwards as he did so. "I don't take offense to it. I'm actually much happier like this...without the makeup."

"Makeup? Why whatever would you need that?"

"The illustrators for the book made me look like I was built in the 80s, so we have to cover the wrinkles for photos and events for the kids. Y'know..."to keep the magic of the books alive". I even have to change my voice, you won't believe how much of a hassle it is!"

"You can do that?" She quizzed him again.

"Of course I can! Same reason for the makeup. I've been doing it ever since I was 12."

"How curious!" Duchess spoke in wonder. "So what does your real voice sound like?"

Thomas smiled at Duchess again. "It sounds like this! I've been using it since I got here!"

"And the one you use with the children?"

"Something like this!" He spoke in a higher pitch, much like that of a young adult. When the Duchess heard the sudden shift, she was most impressed!

"My, what a lovely talent you have!" She expressed.

Just when Thomas was about to thank her for the complement when another engine had backed into the sheds. A streamlined, Royal Blue engine had arrived, and had placed himself right beside Thomas. Unbeknownst to Thomas, Duchess swore under her breath when he arrived.

"Oh, hello there!" Thomas spoke to him, "Who are you?"

"Who am I?!" Spoke the other engine rudely, "Surely you Sudrians can't be this dense!"

"But we're supposed to be dense, we're made of metal!" Thomas retorted cheekily in his younger voice.

"Quiet you!" The engine replied sternly. "You are speaking to an elite, little shunter, and you will address me and my colleague as such!"

Duchess let out a loud eh hem as the other engine turned his attention to her. "Mallard," she spoke sternly, "He is an elite. And even if he wasn't, you have no right to address your own in such an unsavory manner!

Thomas suddenly realized who he was talking to! He'd been so put off by his attitude that he failed to see his nameplate!

"Him?! One of us?!" Mallard sputtered. "Hamilton, surely your streamlining hasn't clouded your judgment!"

"I can assure you it hasn't." She replied coldly. Apparently Mallard hit more than a nerve with that remark. "This is Thomas of Sodor, from those books I was telling you about. If anything you should be treating him with respect!"

Mallard took a closer look at Thomas and gave a huff. "So it's the world that must've gone mad in my absence. Being a part of some measly book pales in comparison to what us Preserved have done to achieve such a status!"

He let off steam as he narrowed his gaze. "Tell me then, Thomas of Sodor, what have you done to achieve such a status?"

Thomas was, quite obviously, offended by Mallard. First, not only did he personally despise the so-called hierarchy, but he hated the ideas and practices that came with it. Now he most certainly didn't like Mallard in the slightest. Regardless, he believed that he had the upper hand in this argument.

"Well for starters...I work. Judging by your attitude you hardly work at all!"

Mallard was greatly offended by this, while Duchess was tempted to burst into laughter!

"But if you're looking for something more specific," he went on, "I'm the only reason why the express gets any passengers on Sodor. My branch line and my passenger trains connect the majority of passengers to the express. Without me and my branch line, Sodor would be in financial ruin."

"That's a good reason for preservation." Duchess said after regaining her composure. "Same for all of them, all of us even."

"Providing an essential service means nothing to BR unless you do it with extraordinary talent...That is how we achieved preservation status after all." Mallard replied smugly. "Is this express run of yours truly that important to Sodor? To the point where it warrants preservation?"

"It is. Not because the service is irreplaceable, but because everyone gets preserved on Sodor." Thomas argued. "Regardless of who they are or what they do, they can live on the island in peace. It's what makes the island a safe haven for all machines!"

"And it's what makes you the backwards junkyard of Britian!" Mallard fumed. "The fact that you are allowed to even act in defiance of BR's will is an insult to our social order!"

"Your "social order" is a complete joke!" Thomas protested. "An engine gets scrapped because it disagrees with someone?! Engines have to fight each other for the privilege of being able to live?!"

The two engines were in shock! The Duchess more so then Mallard. How did the books miss this fiery temper in the tank engine?!

"In what well developed society is that the "social order"?! It's unfair to those who are doing all the work while engines like you just sit around and do nothing, only for them to be scrapped! How does any of that make sense to you, let alone be acceptable?!"

Mallard, in an attempt to hide his anger, rolled his eyes. "The way I see it, you're only against it because you'd be first in the scrapyards! That, and that it's new."

"It's new?" Duchess intervened, "That's your argument Mallard?"

"Hamilton, since you seem to be a fan of this tank engine here," He challenged, "Then what engine is he?"

"Why don't you ask him?" She replied sternly. "He can clearly speak for himself."

Reluctantly, Mallard motioned with his eyes, signaling Thomas to answer. Reluctantly, he did.

"Modified E2." He spoke bluntly. "Lengthwise I'm shorter than what I'm supposed to be, but that lets me go places where my class wouldn't normally be able to go, like harbors and branch lines."

"Yes yes, but what date were you constructed?" Mallard interrupted.

"June 15th...1915."

To say that the two engines were shocked was the understatement of the century. Both knew Thomas had to have been an elderly engine, but they never would've expected him to be this old! After he got over the shock, Mallard let an evil smirk plaster his face.

"As I've said. It's without a doubt that the older the engine, the more resilient they are to change. We've seen it before and will continue to see it again. They're less likely to conform to our way of life as we now know it."

"Ok, so what's your argument here?" Thomas demanded. "Old Bad New Good?"

"Take this as a lecture, you two." Mallard spoke sternly as he addressed them. "British Rail doesn't take too kindly to those who step out of line..."

He looked at Thomas in the eyes. "You may have the luxury of being preserved, little one, but as a shunter you have the unique risk having that privilege revoked. You're more replaceable than you think."

Thomas bared and gritted his teeth, restraining himself from lashing out at him.

"My advice to you? Treat us with some respect...and know. your. place. Am I clear?"

Thomas's eyes narrowed on the engine, half tempted to spit fire in his face out of spite and malice. At the same time, however, he knew he wouldn't hear the end of it from Edward and Sir Topham Hatt. Reluctantly, he yielded to the other engine, and kept his mouth shut.

"I'll take the silence as an agreement...as for you Hamil-"

"Don't you even think about it, 4468." Duchess hissed. "We've heard enough of your ramblings."

"Ramblings?!" Mallard sputtered. "My lectures-"

"Are for your so-called students." She retorted quickly. "Neither of us are your students, so it would be wise of you to be on your way...now."

With a loud huff, Mallard left the sheds, presumably to head to another shed far away from the others. Thomas let off clouds of steam as Mallard left. Small flames and cinders flew from his mouth in anger and frustration.

"The nerve of that engine." Duchess hissed before turning her attention back to Thomas. "I'm terribly sorry about him dear. Usually he isn't this much of a pest, but it would appear that something must've clogged his pipes."

"And his mind." Thomas added. "What a horrible excuse of an engine, that Mallard!"

"Well said. Now if only I scared him off sooner..."

"But if you did, you wouldn't have been able to put him in his place!" He said cheekily to brighten the mood.

Hamilton thought on what Thomas had said, and then she gave a hearty laugh. "Oh I like you! Why don't you come to my personal shed after your run with Green Arrow? That way we can have a proper chat...without any interruptions this time."

"Personal shed?" Thomas questioned. "What's that?"

"It's a shed that us Preserved can rent for events like this." She explained humbly. "Mine is over on the other side of the yard. It's the one with a large red banner with a gold trim on it to tell others that it's mine, you can't miss it."

Thomas cuffed slowly away, as it was almost time for his run. "Then I'll see you there! I should be there at 5!"

"I'll see you then!" she cheered happily as he left the sheds and headed to the station to wait for Green Arrow. While he looked foreword to meeting the Duchess again, he couldn't help but wonder as to what the deal was with Mallard.

He didn't know why, but he felt as though there was something more to Mallard then just a distasteful attitude. Something dark and sinister was going on...he can feel it.

But for now...he had a train to catch. Two trains if we counted Hamilton. But that's a story for another day.

[imitation-steamroller]

Ulfstead Railway Museum

Sir Robert’s railway museum is a concept that was set up in S20 but never went anywhere, presumably because Big World Big Adventures happened. So as I rewatched the series, I worked on my idea of what the Ulfstead Railway Museum would be like. I also did one for the Vicarstown Railway Museum if you want to check that out.

The way I see it, Sir Robert just suddenly decided he wanted to build a museum, kinda like the dinosaur park. It’s a fair bit bigger than the Vicarstown museum and has a roundhouse for its engines. But unlike the VRM, most of Ulfstead’s stock has little to do with Sodor’s railways. All but one of them are from the mainland or further beyond.

Everyday, two of the museum’s engines bring visitors from the mainland, while Sudrian visitors are usually brought by Thomas, James, and whoever else is a available.

On the subject of engines, the museum currently doesn’t have many yet. Even if you were to count Millie, Stephen, and Glynn, the museum’s roster doesn’t hit double digits. Among them are:

Kana - Ooh, an All Engines Go character, how scandalous! Kana was the first engine brought to the museum, and very quickly made friends with several of the island’s tank engines. While Kana truly means well, she can sometimes become too big for her wheels and get into scrapes. Lucky for her, Rosie and Percy always ready to bring her back down to earth.

Bruno - I promise they’re not all AEG characters. Bruno is a young and sturdy caboose who usually gives rides around the castle with Glynn, but he is often borrowed by the NWR to help keep the troublesome trucks and more easily distracted engines in line. Bruno generally prefers things slow and steady, but he can keep up with whatever shenanigans of Thomas and his friends if need be.

Gator - Didn’t expect to see him, did you? Before he left Sodor again, Gator and Percy became pen pals. So when Gator was being withdrawn some years later, he told Percy, who told the Earl, who bought Gator. Nowadays, he spends his time talking to visitors or collecting stone for the castle.

Smudger - The VRM are seething because they didn’t get to him first. Smudger was dug up from the ruins of the sheds around the time Duke was found and as you could probably expect, he was in pretty rough shape. Luckily, the Earl wouldn’t stop until Smudger had been completely repaired. Unluckily, at least for Smudger, Duke is a stone’s throw away from him now, and Smudger isn’t too keen on seeing him again.

Duchess - Duchess is the newest engine in the museum’s fleet and is very eager to please. After she was withdrawn from service, the Earl snatched her up for the museum. Like Kana, Duchess usually brings visitors to and from the castle, but tourists wanting to see the former royal engine have made her job a little harder than it needs to be.

[pxmun]

The Flying Scotsman had been spending time with Dutchess during her visits to Sodor. The royal engine was still sad about the queen’s passing but getting to see her Sodor friends really helped Dutchess through this tough time. One of her favorite things to do was racing. Normally this was seen as a very silly thing for royal engines to do, but on Sodor, Dutchess didn’t need to worry about those expectations.  Duchess and Scotsman thundered down the line towards Vicarstown. The two were neck and neck. “Ha ha, I’m going to beat you this time Duchess”! Scotsman grinned. “Not if I get ahead of you first”! Duchess proclaimed. She soon chuffed ahead and began passing Scotsman. Duchess kept puffing on with Scotsman closely catching up to her. However, luck would be on Duchess’s side as the signal turned red, forcing Scotsman to stop. Once the signal turned green again Scotsman pulled up to the platform next to Duchess. “Looks like you beat me again Duchess.” Scotsman said. “Guess I did, but you certainly gave me quite the run. I see now why they gave you the name “Flying Scotsman”, I thought you were going to come off the rails and sail through the sky.” Duchess laughed. “Well, I have actually flown before, but I strongly recommend against it.” Scotsman said as he remembered the bridge incident with Darius and Splatter. Nearby the clocktower rang out. “Oh dear, it looks like I have to go soon. Are we still on for the outdoor movie this coming Saturday”? Dutchess asked. “I’ll be sure to save you a spot on the rails.” Scotsman said. With that Duchess departed the station for the Mainland. Scotsman watched until he couldn’t see Duchess anymore. Nearby, were Bill and Ben who had seen everything. They decided to have some fun at Scotsman’s expense. “Well, well, well, Ben, did you see that”? Bill asked. “I sure did Bill.” Ben responded. “Didn’t take ya to be quite the gentleengine Scotsman.” Bill said. “Gentleengine? What are you two going on about?” Scotsman asked, eyebrow raised. “You and Duchess, that’s what.” Ben responded. “What about me and Duchess”? Scotsman asked annoyed. “Oh, nothing much, just that you’re in love with Duchess”! Bill proclaimed. “Me? In love with Duchess? Do you two have some screws loose? I’m not in love with Duchess, we’re just friends.” Scotsman said. “Oh, sure sure, that’s why you let her beat you back there.” Ben said. “I didn’t let her win, Duchess won fair and square"! Scotsman retorted. “We don’t believe you. You’re the second engine to go a hundred miles and you really want us to believe that you couldn’t have made it pass the signal”? Bill asked. Scotsman felt his brow twitch as the saddleback twins pressured him. “So, what if I let her win? Duchess has been going through a lot recently, I was only trying to be a good friend.” Scotsman admitted. Bill and Ben gave each other a cheeky grin. “Whatever helps you sleep at night.” Ben said. The twins puffed away, chuckling as they heard Scotsman’s rods rattle. After teatime, Scotsman met up with Darius for the evening Mainland express. The Doncaster engine was still peeved at Bill and Ben’s teasing. “You alright Scotty? Your steam gauge is in the red.” Darius asked. “I’m find, I’m just trying to get over what Bill and Ben said earlier.” Scotsman replied. “Well, try not to let it get to you Scotty. Its only words and from Bill and Ben no less, those two are just wanting to get under your boiler.” Darius said. Scotsman smiled a bit. “Agreed. They just wanted a laugh at my expense, and I’ve been a rather silly engine by letting myself be their entertainment.” Scotsman said. Once the express was done for the night, Darius and Scotsman arrived at Ulfstead castle. The Earl had prepared a berth for the standard gauge engine. Darius wished his engine friend a good night and Scotsman shut his eyes for some rest. Apparently, the ordeal with the saddleback twins was still bothering Scotsman and it had followed the Doncaster engine into his dreams. There was a wedding being held at Vicarstown, all of Scotsman’s friends and family were there. Scotsman found himself in front of the podium, a choir began harmoniously singing “Here comes the bride”. Scotsman felt his firebox go cold as he watched a pair of flower girls walk by, sprinkling rose petals as they went. Behind them an engine carefully approached, a white veil covering their face. Scotsman already knew who it was. The engine stopped just mere inches from his buffers. The newly crowned King Charles III stepped forward and began reading off the wedding vows. “Do you Dutchess take this engine to be your lawfully wedded train”? The king asked. King Charles III and Darius then lifted the veil so Dutchess could be heard.  “I do”! Came a voice, but it wasn’t Dutchess.  Instead, the removed veil had revealed the face of the twins. They laugh maniacally as the station began to spin and Scotsman blanked out. In the morning a cheerful Darius made his way to the shed.  He had just received their first job from the Earl and Darius couldn’t wait to get started. He flung open the shed doors. “Good morning, Scot- ai, ai, ai”! Darius shouted. Scotsman looked sickly. His nose was runny, and he was covered footplate to fender in heart shaped spots. “Scotsman, what happened to you”? Darius asked shocked. Scotsman let out an agonizing groan. “Don’t know, I just woke up feeling absolutely terrible.” Scotsman said as he let out a cough. The Earl soon showed up, wondering why Scotsman and Darius were running late. Once he saw Scotsman, the Earl became very concerned. “Goodness me, Scotsman are you alright”? The Earl asked. “No sir, sorry for the confusion and delay sir.” Scotsman replied. “No need to apologize Scotsman. I’ll see if Connor or Caitlyn are free to fill in for you. Right now, though you need to get some rest.” The Earl said. “Yes sir, thank you sir.” Scotsman said as he settled back into his berth. The Earl looked over Scotsman once more. “Something wrong”? Darius asked. “Hm, I think I read about something like this happening before. It was documented by Ethan during the very early days of the North Western Railway. An engine ended up with a mysterious illness with the exact same symptoms.” The Earl recalled. “Well, did Ethan happen to write down how to cure whatever this is”? Darius asked. “I don’t remember and unfortunately, I have lent the book to Cleo. Thankfully, she will be here later this afternoon.” The Earl replied. “Thank steam. Guess in the meantime Scotty will just have to hunker down. Right now, though I’m going to head down to the steam works and see if Victor has anything to keep Scotty’s symptoms under control.” Darius said. “Very good. The others and I will keep an eye on Scotsman while your away.” The Earl said. Darius thanked the Earl and headed off to the steam works. A bit later, Millie stopped by.

“Oh, dear. I knew the Earl said you were feeling unwell Scotsman, but you look like your about to fall to pieces”! Millie said surprised. Scotsman could only sniffle. “Sounds like your pipes are clogged. I’ll bring over the estate firewoman and she can clear you up in a jiffy.” Millie said.

The estate engine soon returned; she pulled up next to the Doncaster engine and dropped off the firewoman. Millie watched as the firewoman cleared out Scotsman’s funnel. The brush was tickling Scotsman. “Achoo”! Scotsman sneezed. A puff of pink steam whooshed from his funnel. Millie thought it was pretty, though she wished it didn’t come at the expense of Scotsman’s health. “Thank you, Millie, having clean pipes is making me feel a tad better.” Scotsman said. “I’m happy to help and I hope you get better soon. I have to leave now to help Stephen and Glenn with the tours, but I’ll be back later.” Millie said. She left not long after that. Millie picked up her first batch of passengers and began the tour around the Earl’s estate. Along the way she passed by many engines like Marion, who was working on digging a new foundation for a new station. On the narrow- gauge line she saw Luke who gave her a friendly whistle hello, and she in turn did the same. Millie crossed paths with Percy who was on his way to Tidmouth sheds for a good long rest after delivering the mail. As Millie pulled into Maron, she saw Connor with the Mainland express. It was here that Millie started to not feel well. “Hello Millie! Are you alright? You look a bit worn out.” Connor said concerned. “Hello Connor. I am feeling a bit stuffy in the smokebox. Thankfully this is my last stop before my crew’s lunch break.” Millie said. “That’s good. You should head back to the castle and get some rest.” Connor advised. “Thank you, Connor, I will. I just hope I haven’t caught whatever Scotsman has.” Millie said as she puffed away. By the time Millie had reached the castle she was feeling awful. At this point she too had developed heart shaped spots. As she made her way up towards the castle, Millie saw Stephen and Glynn coming down the track. When the two saw Millie, they came to a screeching halt. “Sizzling Sodor Millie! What are you doing up and about in a state like that? You should be back in the shed.” Glynn said. “I’m just on my way up there. I think I caught Scotsman’s bug.” Millie said. Stephen looked shaky; his rods rattled as he came to a startling realization. “No Millie, that is no bug. You have cooties”! Stephen said. “Cooties? Isn’t that just a silly thing children came up with”? Millie asked puzzled. “Not for engines it isn’t! It’s a very real magical illness that can leave an engine out of commission for weeks, if not months! Why I remember one fellow who caught it not long after the Rainhill Trials, poor fellow couldn’t puff properly and ended up spreading cooties to the rest of his engine friends.” Stephen said. “Millie how many engines did you meet today”? Stephen asked. Millie gulped. “At little more than five, one of them being Connor.” Millie admitted. “That’s not good, who knows how many more engines that streamlined engine could’ve unknowingly infected.” Glynn said. “We better go and warn the Earl and the controllers. Hopefully the confusion and delay won’t be too severe.” Stephen said. The two old engines backed up towards the castle. Millie had to wait until Stephen and Glynn were at a safe distance from her before she could continue making her way up the track. Meanwhile the rest of Sodor was in a panic, engines were catching cooties one after the other. Confusion and delay were at an all- time high, poor Sir Topham Hatt didn’t know what to do. He was standing on the turntable facing most of the Steam Team. Edward and Toby were wise to stay away from the others once they noticed what was going on, the rest of the team however, they had to stay at Tidmouth sheds. Diesel, Bill, and Ben were occupying the two healthy steam engines berth’s after being quarantined. Romeo and Cleo were doing their best to keep the engines comfy. Gordon was suffering from a bad case of boiler ache and Romeo was trying his best to care for the engines, but it was hard. “Achoo”! Gordon sneezed. Romeo was covered head to toe in boiler sludge. “Gross”! Romeo said as he tried to wipe off the sludge. “Sorry.” Gordon sniffed. “It’s fine Big G, I just wish there was something we could do to make y’all feel better.” Romeo said. In Thomas’s berth, Cleo was rummaging through the pages of Ethan’s book in a frenzy panic. She must have checked each page over a dozen times, trying to find a cure to the cooties.  “Come on, there has to be some type of cure for cooties. I’m willing to take a measly hint at this point”! Cleo said as she slammed the book close. Sir Topham Hatt saw how distressed the kids were. “I think its best if you two take a break, why don’t we go over to Neptune’s Refreshments and have a nice cup of tea.” Sir Topham Hatt suggested. “Alright.” The siblings sighed. As the three began walking away, Bill and Ben overheard Cleo. “I just can��t figure out how Scotsman could’ve become romantically distressed enough to trigger cooties.” Cleo said. The twins splittered and spluttered, they knew what had caused Scotsman to fall ill with the cooties. The noise they made attracted the attention of Sir Topham Hatt. “Bill, Ben, are you two alright”? He asked concerned. The twins looked at each other. “You tell them Bill.” Ben said. “No, you tell them Ben, it was your idea.” Bill accused. “Was not”! Ben argued. “Was too”! Bill responded. “That’s enough, both of you”! Sir Topham Hatt boomed. Bill and Ben immediately clammed up. “Now, I want both of you to explain to me what exactly it is you want to say.” Sir Topham Hatt said. “Yes sir.” The twins answered. “Good, Ben you can continue.” Sir Topham Hatt said. “It’s Scotsman and the cooties. We might have teased him a bit.” Ben said. “And that teasing might have involved Duchess.” Bill said. “And said teasing with Duchess might have involved us accusing Scotsman of being in love with her.” Ben sheepishly grin. The Fat Controller was very crossed and was about to tell Bill and Ben off for their shenanigans, but he was interrupted by an even crosser Darius who had gotten a ride with Mr. Bubbles. “So, you two were the ones that got Scotty and the rest of Sodor sick”?! Darius boomed. The two trembled in fear. “We were only teasing him. We didn’t know it would end up in cooties.” Bill stuttered. “If we did, we wouldn’t have done it”! Ben stammered. Darius glared at the two. “When this is all over you two are going to go up to Scotsman and every sick engine and apologize to them, Understood”? Darius said. “Yes sir, we will sir”! The twins answered. Darius backed away so Sir Topham Hatt could have the floor. “Along with what Darius said, you two will also be taking over Scotsman’s goods trains until he is fully recovered.” Sir Topham Hatt said. “Yes sir, we understand sir.” Bill and Ben responded. Romeo looked over at Mr. Bubbles. “So, what are you doing here Bubs”? Romeo asked. “Well, I was on my way to entertain the passengers until their delayed train arrived when I saw Darius on the side of the road. He explained to me what was going on with the engines and I offered him a ride to Tidmouth.” Mr. Bubbles explained. The clown looked over at Cleo. “I also know what the cure to cooties is.” Mr. Bubbles continued. Everyone was stunned. “Oh, please Mr. Bubbles, can you tell us what it is”? Cleo pleaded. “Certainly! All the engines need is.... A cootie’s shot”! Mr. Bubbles announced. “A cootie’s shot”? Darius asked skeptically. Mr. Bubbles nodded. “Yes, a cootie’s shot. Just like the kids do when they think one of their friends has caught the cooties.” Mr. Bubbles said. Cleo looked over at Thomas. “Guess it’s worth a shot.” Cleo said. She stood in front of Thomas and began dancing. “Circle, circle, dot, dot, now Thomas has his cooties shot.” Cleo recited. And in the blink of an eye, Thomas was cured! His heart shaped spots quickly faded away. Everyone gasped in shock. “Alright, my turn”! Romeo interrupted as he rushed over to Gordon. “Circle, circle, dot, dot, now Gordon’s got his cooties shot”! Romeo sang as he danced around. Just like with Thomas, Gordon’s spots soon vanished, and he was cured. “Mr. Bubbles you did it! Thank you”! Cleo smiled. “You don’t need to thank me, Cleo. I’m just glad that the engines can start feeling better.” Mr. Bubbles replied. Darius walked up to Henry. “Circle, circle, dot, dot, now Henry’s got his cooties shot”! The young adult danced. But unlike with Thomas and Gordon, Henry was still sick. “What the? Did I do it wrong”? Darius asked confused. Sir Topham Hatt walked up to Emily. “Circle, circle, dot, dot, now Emily’s got her cooties shot”! Sir Topham Hatt sang. Again, nothing happened. “What on Sodor is going on? I thought this was supposed to work”? Darius asked. This time it was Romeo’s turn to solve the mystery. “If this cure was made by kids, then maybe it can only be given out by kids”? Romeo theorized. “If that’s the case then we’re going to need a lot more kids to help cure the engines.” Darius said. “My grandchildren are visiting today; I’ll see if they would want to help.” Sir Topham Hatt said. “And I’m sure the kids at the station will gladly help out as well.” Mr. Bubbles said. Soon, children from all around Sodor were working together to make the engines feel better. Both Cleo and Romeo would head up to Ulfstead castle to cure Scotsman. The Doncaster engine was very happy and cheerfully puffed out of his shed.